Post by Inside Australian Idol on Apr 18, 2005 0:39:44 GMT 10
Music charts go solo
By PAUL STEWART
17apr05
SOLO artists are dominating the Australian singles charts for the first time, with this week's top 15 songs released by lone acts.
The first band in the charts is supergroup The Wrights at No.16 with their cover of the Stevie Wright song Evie Parts 1, 2 and 3.
In the case of some songs, such as Delta Goodrem and Brain McFadden's single Almost Here, it is a case of two solo artists working together as a duo.
The same can be said of other acts such as Ciara and Missy Elliot who sing together on 1, 2 Step, Gwen Stefani and Eve on Rich Girl and Nelly and Tim McGraw on Over And Over.
Music expert and rock historian Glenn A. Baker said the new listings "was not that unexpected".
"Because of shows such as Australian Idol, people have formed a real emotional connection with solo artists rather than bands," he said.
"What is being shown on television is having a huge effect.
"You have to remember that singles are traditionally bought by much younger people. So they are much more into these new young solo acts, rather than supporting traditional music played by groups.
"It all moves in cycles, anyway."
Musician's Union secretary Terry Noone said the latest trend on the singles charts was not unexpected given "the popularity of shows like Australia Idol and Popstars.
"The emphasis on all these shows is on solo artists, not bands," he said.
"And they push the cult of the 'invisible musician'."I don't know if it is a major trend that is here forever, but it is certainly common now.
"You must not forget that bands only really emerged in the 1960s.
"Most pop stars before that were all solo artists or crooners.
"The only constant in all of this is that musicians still get paid very badly."
www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12878622%255E2902,00.html
By PAUL STEWART
17apr05
SOLO artists are dominating the Australian singles charts for the first time, with this week's top 15 songs released by lone acts.
The first band in the charts is supergroup The Wrights at No.16 with their cover of the Stevie Wright song Evie Parts 1, 2 and 3.
In the case of some songs, such as Delta Goodrem and Brain McFadden's single Almost Here, it is a case of two solo artists working together as a duo.
The same can be said of other acts such as Ciara and Missy Elliot who sing together on 1, 2 Step, Gwen Stefani and Eve on Rich Girl and Nelly and Tim McGraw on Over And Over.
Music expert and rock historian Glenn A. Baker said the new listings "was not that unexpected".
"Because of shows such as Australian Idol, people have formed a real emotional connection with solo artists rather than bands," he said.
"What is being shown on television is having a huge effect.
"You have to remember that singles are traditionally bought by much younger people. So they are much more into these new young solo acts, rather than supporting traditional music played by groups.
"It all moves in cycles, anyway."
Musician's Union secretary Terry Noone said the latest trend on the singles charts was not unexpected given "the popularity of shows like Australia Idol and Popstars.
"The emphasis on all these shows is on solo artists, not bands," he said.
"And they push the cult of the 'invisible musician'."I don't know if it is a major trend that is here forever, but it is certainly common now.
"You must not forget that bands only really emerged in the 1960s.
"Most pop stars before that were all solo artists or crooners.
"The only constant in all of this is that musicians still get paid very badly."
www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12878622%255E2902,00.html